Timber Innovations and Archangel Architects partner with MEDITE SMARTPLY to achieve Passivhaus excellence

Timber Innovations, experts in timber frame and structural insulated panel (SIP) construction, used SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT for the Duck End Barns Passivhaus project in Cambridgeshire. This five-bedroom home combines sustainable design with natural materials, promoting health and well-being while achieving outstanding energy efficiency. Designed by Archangel Architects, it blends perfectly into its rural surroundings and sets a benchmark for sustainable living.

SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT was key to the award-winning Larsen Truss twin-stud wall system, recognised for its ability to reduce thermal bridging and simplify construction. SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT–highly engineered OSB panels—helped achieve the Passivhaus airtightness standard of 0.6 Air Changes per Hour (ACH), replacing traditional airtight membranes with an easier, more effective solution.

"SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT not only delivered the airtightness we needed but also made on-site detailing and installation much simpler," said Joshua Perry, Project Lead at Timber Innovations.

Simplifying Passivhaus construction

Passivhaus construction demands rigorous performance for thermal bridging, thermal insulation and airtightness. SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT helps to meet these demands by simultaneously addressing both vapour control layer (VCL) and air barrier requirements. Airtightness is engineered directly into the OSB panel substrate, while SMARTPLY's advanced surfacing technology ensures an integrated vapour barrier across the entire surface. By eliminating the need for separate membranes and reducing reliance on weather-dependent installations, SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT significantly streamlined the construction process.

"Our structures feature complex junctions that demand high-performance materials," explains David Himmons, Managing Director at Timber Innovations. "SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT delivered exactly what we needed—simplified detailing and excellent airtightness results."

Aesthetic and environmental harmony

Timber Innovations brings a unique touch to low-energy homes with exposed or highlighted glued laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT). These materials combine structural strength with the natural beauty of wood, adding warmth and character to architectural designs while emphasising sustainability and craftsmanship.

"Our reputation depends on delivering both high performance and exceptional design," says Apostolos Petrakis, Architect and Passivhaus Designer at Archangel Architects. "Timber Innovations and its partners, including MEDITE SMARTPLY, helped us meet the rigorous Passivhaus standards but also enhanced the visual appeal of the project, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics."

A vision for sustainable living
Duck End Barns showcases thoughtful integration that is sensitive to its rural setting. Built on a previously developed farmyard, the home features a C-shaped layout that creates a sheltered courtyard while maintaining a discreet, low-profile aesthetic. The black timber roof and walls align with the agricultural context, seamlessly blending the home into its surroundings.

Key features of the Duck End Barns project:

• Energy efficiency: Designed with low energy demand in mind, the project incorporates renewable energy solutions such as photovoltaic panels and ground-source heat pumps.
• Sustainable materials: Timber was chosen for the frame and exterior finish, reflecting its recyclability and carbon-sequestering properties.
• Water and waste management: The development integrates rainwater harvesting and on-site sewage treatment to reduce its environmental footprint further.

This project demonstrates how innovative materials like SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT, paired with outstanding architectural design, can deliver energy-efficient, sustainable homes. It reflects Timber Innovations’ dedication to raising the bar in low-energy construction while showcasing MEDITE SMARTPLY’s role in supporting the future of low-energy building solutions.

“Having worked with MEDITE SMARTPLY for over four years, we value the product quality and technical support that make construction projects like Duck End Barns possible,” adds David. “Our partnership exemplifies how innovative materials can transform construction practices, meeting sustainability goals while enhancing performance.”

About Timber Innovations

Timber Innovations has been at the forefront of low-energy and Passivhaus construction for 14 years, specialising in timber frames and SIPs for residential and commercial projects. With a team of 30 experts, the company serves self-builders, developers, and main contractors. https://timberinnovations.co.u...

About Archangel Architects

Archangel Architects is a Cambridge-based architectural practice dedicated to creating sustainable, inspiring spaces that enrich lives. With expertise in Passivhaus design, the team combines technical precision with creative vision to deliver energy-efficient homes and innovative retrofit projects. From contemporary new builds to sensitive refurbishments, Archangel Architects champions design solutions that balance beauty, functionality, and environmental responsibility. For more information, visit https://www.archangelarchitect...